Will Benton PUD Rates Rise in April? Public Meeting Will Decide Jan. 15

The Benton PUD is proposing a two-percent rate increase for residential customers beginning in April. According to the PUD, increased power and capital costs are the reason for the proposed increase. Residential customers would see the 2-percent increase, while non-residential customers would see increases of about 1 to 1.4 percent. These include industrial operations and customers who use power for irrigation.

A public meeting will held Jan. 15 at the PUD Auditorium at 10th and 395 in Kennewick at 6 p.m. with information about the proposed increase. A presentation will also be made giving an overview of the state of energy and power in the Northwest. It will also provide information as to why the rate increase has been proposed. Customers will have the opportunity to provide input at that meeting. The PUD will vote on the proposed increase Feb. 26.